"'But did you not ask Cecilia about it?' said I.
"'No, madam,' replied Louisa, 'for Leonora forbade me.'
"I guessed her reason. 'Well,' said I, 'give me the box, and I will carry your shell in it to Cecilia.'
"'Then, madam,' said she, 'if I must give it her, pray do take the Flora, and return it to her first, that she may not think it is for that I do it.'"
"O, generous Leonora!" exclaimed Cecilia. "But indeed, Louisa, I cannot take your shell."
"Then, dear Cecilia, accept of mine instead of it; you cannot refuse it—I only follow your example. As for the bracelet," added Leonora, taking Cecilia's hand, "I assure you I don't wish for it, and you do, and you deserve it."
"No," said Cecilia, "indeed I do not deserve it; next to you, surely, Louisa deserves it best."
"Louisa! O yes, Louisa," exclaimed every body with one voice.
"Yes," said Mrs. Villars, "and let Cecilia carry the bracelet to her; she deserves that reward. For one fault I cannot forget merits, Cecilia; nor, I am sure, will your companions."
"Then, surely, not your best friend," said Leonora, kissing her.